Current:Home > StocksDrive a Ford, Honda or Toyota? Good news: Catalytic converter thefts are down nationwide-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Drive a Ford, Honda or Toyota? Good news: Catalytic converter thefts are down nationwide
View Date:2024-12-23 11:13:12
Catalytic converter thefts broke records last year but are declining nationwide and in nearly every state as the prices of precious metals tumble.
Thefts fell in the first half of this year, according to new data shared exclusively with USA TODAY. BeenVerified estimates there were 26,742 catalytic converter thefts in the U.S. between January and June. That's down 43% from the same period last year.
Washington, Oregon and Hawaii saw the largest decrease in thefts in the first six months of 2023. Only one state saw an increase: Thefts in New Jersey jumped 25%.
It’s not all good news for car owners. Catalytic converter thefts are still nearly 21 times higher than in 2019 before the catalytic converter crime spree began, according to the data company.
“I am not sure that the consumer is seeing the benefit yet from the decrease in catalytic converter thefts,” said Kerry Sherin, senior public relations manager for BeenVerified, which analyzed catalytic converter theft data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and search data from Google. “There is still a significant amount of theft."
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
Thefts accelerated in 2020 then exploded in 2021, costing car owners time and money.
Replacing the catalytic converter which is specific to the make and model of the car can run thousands of dollars and take weeks depending on part availability. Even if the theft is covered by insurance, car owners are still on the hook for the deductible.
"We know consumers are still experiencing this problem and they are often having to pay for it out of pocket," Sherin said.
What is a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter is a metal cylinder on the underside of gas-powered cars between the engine and the muffler that cleans harmful emissions.
Why are catalytic converters stolen so much?
The core contains precious metals which can be extracted and resold.
Higher prices for platinum, palladium and rhodium coupled with supply constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic fueled the catalytic converter crime wave.
How does someone steal your catalytic converter?
Thieves, known as “cutters,” can remove catalytic converters with a battery-operated saw in minutes.
How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?
Cutters sell catalytic converters to scrap recyclers for hundreds of dollars.
What’s slowing the catalytic converter crime wave?
Stolen catalytic converters aren’t worth as much anymore. The price of palladium has fallen in recent months. Platinum prices have also fallen.
A crackdown by state and local authorities may also be working. BeenVerified says 42 states have enacted legislation since 2021, tightening restrictions on scrap recyclers and stiffening penalties including prison time and fines.
Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converters stolen?
According to Carfax, targeted vehicles range from family sedans such as the Honda Accord to full-size pickup trucks from Ford and GM. Hybrid vehicles are a top target because their catalytic converters contain more precious metals.
The top vehicles targeted nationwide are:
◾ Ford F-series
◾ Honda Accord
◾ Toyota Prius
◾ Honda CR-V
◾ Ford Explorer
◾ Ford Econoline
◾ Chevrolet Equinox
◾ Chevrolet Silverado
◾ Toyota Tacoma
◾ Chevrolet Cruze
Does your insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
Only comprehensive insurance covers catalytic converter theft. Consider comprehensive insurance or lowering your deductible if you live in a high-risk area or if you have a vehicle that is commonly targeted.
Catalytic converter theft soars:Thieves target SUVs, pickups, hybrids as prices soar during COVID-19 for metals in car part
Avoiding catalytic converter theft:How to avoid catalytic converter theft: Tips on protecting your car as thieves target rare metals
Which states have the most catalytic converter thefts?
California and Texas are the top states for catalytic converter thefts so far this year. California had the largest number of total thefts at 6,988, followed by Texas (2,235), New York (2,071), New Jersey (1,400) and Illinois (1,354).
How to protect your catalytic converter
◾ Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device such as a cable cage or clamp.
◾ When possible, park your car in a locked garage or in a well-lit area. Install motion-activated lights and security cameras.
◾ Make your car alarm more sensitive or put motion alarms under your vehicle.
◾ In public parking garages and lots, park near the front of the building entrance or other areas with high pedestrian traffic.
◾ Engrave your vehicle VIN into your catalytic converter.
How do you know if your catalytic converter was stolen?
When your catalytic converter is stolen, your car will make a roaring sound that gets louder when you put your foot on the gas. It might also make a sputtering sound when you accelerate and you may notice an increase in exhaust smells.
What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen?
Do not drive your car. Report the theft to law enforcement and your insurance company.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Republican Gabe Evans ousts Democratic US Rep. Yadira Caraveo in Colorado
- Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.55 billion after no winner in Saturday's drawing
- Sister Wives' Christine Brown Says She's So Blessed After Wedding to David Woolley
- AP Top 25 Takeaways: Turns out, Oklahoma’s back; Tide rising in West; coaching malpractice at Miami
- Police capture Tennessee murder suspect accused of faking his own death on scenic highway
- See states with the most student debt as Biden Administration moves in on new deal
- German far-right leader says gains in state election show her party has ‘arrived’
- Stock market today: Asian markets are mixed, oil prices jump and Israel moves to prop up the shekel
- Smithfield agrees to pay $2 million to resolve child labor allegations at Minnesota meat plant
- Man arrested in Germany after the body of his young daughter was thrown into a canal
Ranking
- The boy was found in a ditch in Wisconsin in 1959. He was identified 65 years later.
- Kenyan man shatters world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon
- An independent inquiry opens into the alleged unlawful killings by UK special forces in Afghanistan
- John Cena: Last WWE match 'is on the horizon;' end of SAG-AFTRA strike would pull him away
- FSU football fires offensive, defensive coordinators, wide receivers coach
- UK Supreme Court weighs if it’s lawful for Britain to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda
- A healing culture: Alaska Natives use tradition to battle influx of drugs, addiction
- Stock market today: Asian markets are mixed, oil prices jump and Israel moves to prop up the shekel
Recommendation
-
Unexpected pairing: New documentary tells a heartwarming story between Vietnam enemies
-
Is cayenne pepper good for you? The spice might surprise you.
-
Impeachments and forced removals from office emerge as partisan weapons in the states
-
Two wounded in shooting on Bowie State University campus in Maryland
-
Lane Kiffin puts heat on CFP bracket after Ole Miss pounds Georgia. So, who's left out?
-
Western Michigan house fire kills 2 children while adult, 1 child escape from burning home
-
'I just want her back': Israeli mom worries daughter taken hostage by Hamas militants
-
What was the Yom Kippur War? Why Saturday surprise attack on Israel is reminiscent of 1973